Scratches, Kyoto, Japan

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About the Photographer

Erwitt, Elliott

French, b. 1928 Paris

For over three decades, Elliot Erwitt, a master of the visual pun, has turned his camera on a variety of ironic juxtapositions, strange alignments, and minor occurrences. He possesses a keen eye for humor, and his photographs are never simple. Whether observing intimate moments, political situations, or multilayered street scenes such as these photographers with photographs, Erwitt's images convey charm and wit.

Born in Paris in 1928, Elliot Erwitt immigrated to New York with his family in 1939. He started working as a freelance photographer at age sixteen and later met Robert Capa, Edward Steichen, and Roy Stryker. In 1953 Capa invited Erwitt to become a member of Magnum Photos; he has since served several terms as president. In addition to producing photographic essays, illustrations, and advertisements for publications around the world, Erwitt has produced numerous films.